Sobakatsu, a legit closet-sized noodle shop opens in Japantown

by  on  in The Latest

Japan is a land that perfects each native dish with restaurants entirely devoted to one item, from comforting okonomiyaki to delicately fried tempura. And often at a handful of seats in a tiny space. Enter Sobakatsu, a closet-sized restaurant with a max of 11 seats, no reservations and a sole focus on cold and hot soba, Japan’s silky, thin buckwheat noodles that are friendly to all gluten-free-ers. Read more →

SF Staycation — Luxury Hotels with New Menus: Luce at Intercontinental SF & MKT at Four Seasons San Francisco

by  on  in Around the Bay

One of many things I adore about living in my beloved San Francisco for 23 years, far above my bi-coastal upbringing in the suburbs of LA and NYC and midwest Oklahoma and Kansas City roots, is the endless layers and beauty of tiny SF. Thus I am ever experiencing my City anew and rarely get “staycations.” I travel so much for dining and drink research, judging and consulting, it’s a gift when I am home, relishing the world class and unique joys abundant all around me.

However, it’s a privilege when I get a media invite to stay overnight to check out a hotel minutes from home after checking out a new menu or chef at said hotel. I recently visited two notable SF hotels offering feasts creative (Luce) or comforting (MKT). What worked (and didn’t) at each: Read more →

September Eats: 7 Standouts of the Month

by  on  in Top Tastes

IN THIS ARTICLE:
—New Modern Indian Respite Downtown: Bombay Brasserie at Taj Campton Place
—9-Year-Old North African/Tunisian Treasure in the FiDi: Barcha
—All-Day Mexican Food & Rotisserie Haven in Noe Valley: Todo el Dia
—Tyler Florence Classic with NY Vibes: Wayfare Tavern
—Noe Valley Cozy Comfort: Mr. Digby’s
—Reborn Inner Richmond Breakfast “Diner”: Eats
—New Union Square Greek Gem: The Parthenon Read more →

Little Original Joe’s Marina: Italian comfort with a modern touch

by  on  in The Latest

Little Original Joe’s in the Marina has been a full house from the get-go in May. This is the latest outpost from siblings John and Elena Duggan, who have carried on the family’s long-standing tradition of Italian-American comfort food with a modern twist. Known for running the iconic Original Joe’s and its spots in North Beach, Daly City and West Portal, the Duggans have turned their focus to this stylish Marina location, bringing the same warmth that’s kept their other spots buzzing. What’s the “secret sauce” making the Duggan’s restaurants beloved? Read more →